It’s really amazing how much of an out-of-control beast our healthcare system has become after decades and decades of running totally unchecked. A couple in Utah had a baby a few weeks ago, and the guy just posted a copy of their hospital bill on Reddit that showed a $39.35 charge for, quote, “skin to skin after C-sec.” In other words, they were charged 40 bucks to hold their son after he was born. How can the hospital possibly think that’s a reasonable charge?

A labor and delivery nurse posted a response to explain it:  When a baby is born with a c-section in the operating room and the parents hold them right away, an extra nurse has to stay and monitor the baby to make sure they’re okay. And while that may be true, the consensus online is that it’s still a ridiculous thing to see on a hospital bill. Here’s a copy of the hospital bill below.

Our flagship university down in the Bayou State is in big trouble. The problems with the football coach you say? Well, not really. It’s supposed to be about getting a decent education. And that’s where the Big problems are at LSU. New college rankings have been released, and the state’s top college has plummeted in the listings. So what’s going on? Check out my new column now posted to get some insight. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

I used to be a beach bum, and loved to hang out with all the pretty young girls weekend after weekend.  We do that here down South.  But we all grow old, and i guess there has to be some limitations.  Check out my old buddy below, who puts growing old in perspective.

Wow, talk about a dilemma for folks living down in the Bayou State. The first presidential debate will take place on Monday evening, September 28th. Obviously, this is important, and we will all be watching. But there’s a conflict. Our New Orleans Saints will be playing the very same time against arch-rival Atlanta Falcons. So what’s a Saints fan to do? Football or politics? I write about it my new column now posted. Take a look and tell me what you would do. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Great program scheduled for this weekend. North Carolina Congresswoman Virginia Fox will discuss her book, “God in the House,” and the idea of legislating from a perspective of faith. Then Dr. John Michels will help me analyze why so many Americans have heart disease and are overweight. And finally, author Robert Martichenko will tell us what will happened if Trump wins the presidency and there is an onslaught of folks high tailing it to Canada. His book is called “Drift and hum: The Great Canadian-American Novel.” So tune infor a lively program. Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.

My son-in-law Dan Senor was roasted at the Plaza Hotel in New York City this week by a number of political luminaries all gathering to put down Dan, and all in good taste. It was quite an evening as he was roasted by Mitt Romney, Speaker of the house Paul Ryan, Arkansas Senator Tom Cotton, Former Michigan Senator Spence Abraham, daughter Campbell, and even Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. They all knew how to, as we say in Louisiana, “pass a good time.”

Can you believe it? Politics in Louisiana and most states is just no fun anymore. The politicians used to travel around the state holding rallies and riding in parades. Now it’s all money, money money, and stiff, uninteresting candidates. What happened? Check out my new column now posted. You can read it now by Clicking Here or by going to the Red Flashing Box above.

We are preparing for weekend radio with a lively program planned. We will talk with a 9-11 survivor, New York Attorney Kevin Salter, who was at the World Trade Center to get his thoughts 15 years later. We will also talk about the debates. Should all candidates who poll above 5% be included? The public seems to ant this so we will discuss with Dave Paleologos is director of the Suffolk University Political Research Center in Boston. Author Rannah Gray will join us to discuss the lack of oversight by many states of children in foster homes.  Her new book is an expose’ and can be ordered Here.  And finally, we will ask, are you one of the “deplorables” Hillary Clinton is talking about? Has she turned away millions of Americans? So much to discuss. Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.

Life can’t be all work and no play. My son, James and I did a little hiking up on Grandfather Mountain in the Blue Ridge mountain range a little south of Boone, North Carolina recently. With my hiking boots on, I was hangin’ in there for an old guy. Weather wasn’t bad either. In then 70s during the day and down to 45 degrees at night. I hope to go back soon.

Weekend radio this Sunday will review what’s happened to our country post 9-11. The destruction happened 15 years ago this Sunday. Then airline consultant Ken Jenkins (www.jenkinsslic.com) will join me to discuss air safety and the new movie “Sully” with Tom Hanks. Daina Falk has a new book called: “The Hungry Fan’s Game Day Cookbook”, for all you sports couch potatoes and she will be with us. And Dave Marinaccio will talk about social media in politics and his book, “Admen, Mad Men, and the Real World of Advertising.” So join us for a lively program. Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.

Just weeks away from election day, and I’ll bet you’re seeing the candidates for president all over your state, right? Well, maybe not. You see, we have this thing called the Electoral College. And unless you live in a handful of swing states, your vote, for all practical purposes, is irrelevant. Want to know what I’m talking about? Check out my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Radio schedule to be posted Friday Afternoon.

So have you gone and visited your mountain recently? Everyone needs not to ignore their mountain.  I go visit mine as often as I can.  So you need to try and pay your mountain a visit soon.

Remember the old axiom, “You never let a good crisis go to waste?” Well, there is certainly a crisis down in the Bayou State, and insurance companies that sell property insurance are licking their chops. There was little damage suffered by major insurance companies, because flooding was involved, land private insurance companies do not cover flood insurance. But it’s confusing to the property owner, and some insurance companies see an opening to raise their rates. It seems to never stop in Louisiana. Check out my new column and see what you think. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

We still are trudging our way through the flooding down here the deep South, but the weekend Common Sense Radio Show will carry-on. Of course we’ll do an update on presidential politics. Will Donald Trump’s new take on immigration make any difference for him? First up is David Stieler who was involved in a hit-and-run accident, and face years of struggles with the insurance bureaucracy in his new book is called”
The ride, the Roads, and the Resurrection.“ (Click Here.) Then Carter Hydrick joins us to discuss how Nazi Germany surrendered enriched uranium for the United States atomic bomb in his book, Critical Mass. (Click Here). Then we will review a new thriller about Navy Seals called Tier One with authors Brian Andrews and Jeffrey Wilson. (Click Here). So join us for a lively program. Check local listings for times extensions. We will see you on the radio.

So now the recovery begins down in the Bayou State. The rest of the nation has moved on, and most folks outside of Louisiana think that waters have all drifted away and life is back to normal. But we down here know different. Hundred thousand homes seriously impacted, and it will take months and years to fully cleanup and rehabilitate. It’s been a rough month for Louisiana, with police shootings and flood devastation. Not the Apocalypse, but some major concerns down here. I wrote about in in my new column this week. You can read it now by clicking on the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Weekend radio is close at hand with a jam-packed show that includes a number of guests, updates from the presidential race, and recovery from the recent massive flood in the deep South. Our guests include Prof. Josh Blackman discussing his new book” Unraveled,“ about Obamacare, religious liberty, and executive power. (See more here). Then Washington lobbyist Mike MacLeod will talk about his thoughts on “The Death of Civility and Common Sense.” (See more here). And finally, attorney Peter Baskin will talk about not being a victim of deceptive police tactics, and his new book “A Toast to Silence.” (See more here.) Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.

Many of our listeners and viewers around the country know we had problems down here in the Bayou State with all the heavy rains, but figure that life is gotten back to normal. That’s far from the case. Over 100,000 homes have been severely damaged, and there will be many folks who will be living in shelters and making other living arrangements for months and even years to come. There’s a huge volunteer effort going on, and it is quite gratifying to see the number of people coming into volunteer from all over America. Below is a picture of some of the out of state state helpers who came to Baton Rouge. We’re working at a Salvation Army shelter taking in every kind of donation you can think about. So the recovery goes on, and we will stay with this. Thanks your support and prayers.

It started to rain in Baton Rouge and South Louisiana, and seemed to never stop. A downpour for 10 days straight. And then the flooding began. Now we are used to lots of rain and river flooding in this part of the country. But not a day in, day out deluge of water. The canals and small streams backed up and overflowed into subdivisions flooding thousands of home and vehicles. It will take years to clean up and repair. Randy Newman’s song below just might be on target. Are they tryin’ to wash us away? See my thoughts in my new column now posted. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Our Radio Weekend is just around the corner and we have so much to share with the rest of the nation. More bad luck in my part of the country. Police officers killed just a few weeks ago, and now torrential flooding has wiped out thousands of home in the Baton Rouge area. We will up date. Then Jackson Katz will discuss his new book, “Man Enough?” (See Here.) The gender role in presidential politics. (See Here.) And author Dan Meyer writes about absolute power in politics in his book, “Upside Down.” (See Here) Finally, Dr. Stephen Sinatra will help give advise on preventing heart problems. (See Here). Check local listing for times and stations. See you on the radio.

At Carnegie Hall, gospel singer Wintley Phipps delivers perhaps the most powerful rendition of Amazing Grace ever recorded. He says, “A lot of people don’t realize that just about all Negro spirituals are written on the black notes of the piano. Probably the most famous on this slave scale was written by John Newton, who used to be the captain of a slave ship, and many believe he heard this melody that sounds very much like a West African sorrow chant. And it has a haunting, haunting plaintive quality to it that reaches past your arrogance, past your pride, and it speaks to that part of you that’s in bondage.

Video from KarmaTube

So Donald Trump is at it again? He amazes many observers over his ability to keep stirring up controversy. But did he go too far this time around? Did Trump infer that his second amendment supporters could assassinate Hillary Clinton? Democrats and many in the press are convinced that’s what he both said and encouraged. A number of key Republicans felt his comments were out of bounds and did more damage to both Trump and the GOP. Check out my thoughts in my new column now posted. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

We never have to look far for engaging topics on our weekend radio program. Can Donald Trump stumble some more? We will discuss. Then former president of Brandeis University Frederick Lawrence refutes different stories about college being a waste of money. Dr. Timothy Dailey will  talk about his new book, “Apocalypse Rising,” about so much of the chaos in the Middle East. And finally, Chris Kutarna joins our show to talk about is new book, “Age of Discovery: Navigating the Risks and Rewards of our new Renaissance.” Such an intelligent and lively program schedule. Be sure to join us. Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.

Sad to say that newspapers are in trouble. I like nothing more than to sit down with morning coffee and several daily newspapers each morning. I’m not sure how much longer this is going to last. Talk show host John Oliver’s 19-minute segment on the troubles facing journalism is below, and is a well-analyzed review of the disappointing print demise. Take a look if you hope to keep your morning paper.

That’s right. The former grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan is alive and kicking in Louisiana as a candidate for the US Senate. If you recall, David Duke won a race to the Louisiana House of Representatives in the 1980s, and was in the runoff for Governor back in 1991. Republicans have disavowed him, but they just can’t shake the noose of Duke around them. Does he have a chance to win? Take a look at my new column now posted. You can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

On our close at hand weekend radio program, Jim will talk about the dramatic slide downwards in the polls by Donald Trump. And what’s going on with David Duke? Is he a serious candidate? Oxford scholar Chris Kutarna will discuss his new book, “Age of Discovery: Navigating he Risks and Rewards of Our New Renaissance.” And author Judy Frankel will give us her thoughts on the coming election with ideas from her new book, “˜In Search of The Next P.O.T.U.S.“ So join us for a lively program. Check local listings for times and the stations. We will see you on the radio.

Americans do a great job of honoring those who serve us so well. There was no better example of this commitment to fallen heroes then the commemoration that took place in our Baton Rouge community this week. Thousands of people turned out for the farewell and Memorial of police officer Montrell Jackson, who was killed in the line of duty protecting his fellow officers from a sniper attack. Police officers from all over America, as well as Canada, were in attendance. A bagpipe team came down with the Canadian mounted police, and a large contingent came from New York City telling me Louisiana had been there to help them after 9/11. It was a heartwarming sight to see such a tribute to this fallen hero. To read my whole observations of what took place, Click Here or go to the Red Flashing Box above.

And there’s so much to talk about as weekend radio is close at hand. Who did better, the Republican convention or the Democratic convention? Whatever candidate you are for, who gave the better speech; Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton? We will have a panel to analyze. Then we will talk about the emerging human rights confrontations worldwide with Professor Mark Bradley, all discussed in his new book, “The World Reimagined: Americans and Human Rights in the Twentieth Century.” See more about the book HERE. And finally, we will look back at the removal of President Richard Nixon with author Len Colodny, who gives new insights into this riveting event of 45 years ago in his book, “Silent Coup.”  See the book HERE.  So tune in for a great program, and we will see you on the radio.  Check local listings for times and stations.

Last week during the Republican National Convention in Cleveland, the American Federation for Children hosted a dinner for about 250 attendees to focus on the transformative impact of school choice. The event featured Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker and education reform advocate Campbell Brown, a former CNN anchor and co-founder and editor-in-chief at The 74 Million. (Also, my oldest daughter.)

“To me, this is one of the issues that unites everyone,” Campbell told Watchdog.org. “At a moment when the country is so divided, it’s nice to be surrounded by people at a place like this where everyone supports the same thing.” Take a look at some of the discussion below.

You can watch TV coverage of violence in America, but it really does not hit home like it does right in your own back yard. Last Sunday morning was surreal. Rumors spread all over the Baton Rouge community that killers were on the loose and killing police officers. Residents were told to stay inside and lock their doors. And I was broadcasting, like a play-by-play announcer covering a massacre. What’s our city and our nation coming to? I write about it in my new column and you can read it by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Our weekend radio program will broadcast live from Jackson Square in the heart of the New Orleans French Quarter this weekend with a lively show planned. I’ll review the shootings and racial tension that has taken place in my hometown of Baton Rouge. Then author Seth Siegel will join us to discuss the nation’s water crisis outlined in his book, “Let There Be Water.” See more Here. And we had to re schedule from last week civil war writer John Huelskamp with his new book, Friends of the Wigwam; A Civil War Story. See more about the book by Clicking Here. So join us for a lively program. Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio. –

Corporal Montrell Jackson, with the Baton Rouge police department, was one of the victims killed while on duty Sunday. He worked extra duty at night in my subdivision,and would drop by for water or a soft drink during a break. He always had a big smile and said he was working extra duty to help raise his son. We had a nice visit just 3 days before he was killed. He was our protector and a friend to all in our neighborhood. What a tragic loss. I write about him and the other officers killed in the line of duty in this week’s column no posted above.

It’s Convention time for both national political parties as Republicans kickoff this week in Cleveland, followed by the Democrats making an onslaught in Philadelphia the following week. If you’ve never been to a national political convention, it’s really quite the spectacle. And there will be heightened tensions this year because of all the controversies in both parties, and the nation as a whole. I’ve been to a number of conventions, and write about it in this week’s column. Check it out by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Weekend radio is close at hand and we have a full program of topics for our listeners. I’ll give updates and opinions on the racial tensions across the country. Police training expert Dr. Alex del Carmen will be our gest to discuss the need to rethink training tactics. We will talk about the coming political conventions, and review a little civil war history with author John Huelskamp with his new book, Friends of the Wigwam; A Civil War Story. See more about the book by Clicking Here. So join us for a lively program. Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.

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In all the confrontation and turmoil that has taken place in the past several weeks across the nation, one photograph has emerged from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, as a symbol of the civil unrest that has spread across the nation. The image, taken by Jonathan Bachman for Reuters, shows a woman, who has been identified as Iesha L Evans, standing in a long dress in the face of a line of Louisiana state troopers dressed in riot gear outside of police headquarters. Evans looks calm and poised and almost seems to repel the two officers who are charging towards her. Whatever your opinions of the protesting, it is a poignant photo.

How should you advise your kids and family members if they get into a confrontation with police officers? Tempers can flare, shouting and threats are made, and the whole episode can quickly escalate and get completely out of had. A confrontation took place here in Baton Rouge as few days ago, and it a black male was shot to death by two white police officers. What should have taken place? Check out my new column and see if you agree with me. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

We really have a jam-packed program scheduled for this coming weekend on “The Common Sense” Radio Show. I’ll discuss the FBI’s actions in letting Hillary Clinton off the hook, and the national attention on my hometown of Baton Rouge over recent police shooting that has the attention of the nation. And my guest will be Former President of Brandeis University and senior research scholar at Yale Law School, Frederick M. Lawrence, who will talk about his friend Elie Wiesel who died recently and who was a leading Jewish voice and universal prophet. So tune in for a great program. Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.

A tense situation exists in my hometown of Baton Rouge. Two police officers confronted a black male who was selling CDs late at night outside a convenience store. The confrontation escalated, a fight broke out, the police officers apparently felt threatened as the fellow they were trying to subdue had a gun, and shoots were fired. The 37 year old male is now dead. So what happened? I wrote about this tragedy in this week’s column and you can watch the graphic video of the shooting below.

I hope you have read the many tributes that are being written about Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel. He was a Holocaust survivor, and the world’s memory keeper for victims of Nazi persecution who used his moral authority to force attention on atrocities around the world. He died at 87 this week.

For many years, I have recommended to family and friends Mr. Wiesel’s book “Night,” his account of the concentration camps where he watched his father die and where his mother and younger sister were gassed. Elie Wiesel was a “messenger to mankind,” and I had the pleasure of visiting with him last year in New York City. The loss of a great American.

Do you think our educators will ever quit all the internal bickering, and focus more on our kids? There seems to be constant struggles with legislatures, school boards, Departments of Education and other so called educational oversight groups over turf battles as to who does what.   Too often, our kids become an afterthought. Check out my views and suggestions in this week’s column now posted. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Weekend radio is on the horizon, and we have a lively program scheduled for our listeners this 4^th of July weekend. We will, of course, talk about the “down in the dirt” campaigns by both presidential aspirants, and talk with former FBI agent Colleen Rowley about recent bumbling investigations in the U.S. dealing with terrorists activities. We will also talk with author Andrew Nagasaki about continuing investigations of German atrocities during World War ll. And, or course, some summer health tips will be on our agenda. So be sure and tune in for a lively program. Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.

The Brexit British vote to leave the European Union produced some interesting headlines in newspapers across the world. You can listen to my video cast above and see that I don’t believe the calamities predicted and the economic chaos will be anything like the naysayers are predicting. Take a look at some of the dire headlines from New York papers below.

Most of us take the Internet for granted. That is, if it is available and affordable for you. For millions of Americans, they are not on the web. Children are at a great disadvantage with homework if they can’t get on the web. So just how much a disconnect is there in America.? Check out my new column to see have far Louisianan and the U.S. has to climb. You can read my column now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Radio lineup of guests will be posted Friday afternoon.

Daughter Campbell is back in the news this week writing about the failure to seriously engage and support more girls in science, technology, engineering, and math classes. She says that the challenge for a just society is finding ways to remove systemic obstacles and erode cultural biases that devalue and limit opportunities for girls and women. Campbell is the co-founder and Editor-in-Chief of The 74. You can read her thoughts by Clicking Here.

It’s early summer when many of us turn our attention to—well either baseball or politics. It’s hard in the current sports and political climate to watch both in the evening. Would you rather watch Trump and Clinton go at it, or see if the Yankees can edge out a winning season? So what is it for you-Politics or Baseball? I have a particular opinion; so if you want to read my take in this week’s column, go to the Red Flashing Box above, or Click Here.

Weekend radio is shaping up well with a variety of issues to discuss. Dr. Joe Alton joins us to discuss just what you should do if you are caught in a mass shooting. Timely after the Orlando tragedy. Then former Newsweek White House correspondent Clara Bingham will talk about how American life has changed in the past 30 years, and her new book Witness to the Revolution. See it HERE. And business consultant Lou Weiss will join me to discuss the rise of robots in manufacturing and in our future. So join us for an informative program. Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.

Many readers who love Louisiana literature gathered this past weekend in St. Francisville, Louisiana to celebrate the live and works of novelist Walker Percy. He was, to me, a literary icon and many consider him to be America’s most significant Catholic writer. And he was passionate about Louisiana. So passionate that he took the time to give me some good advise about what he considered to be the insidious politics in the Bayou State years ago when I ran for Governor. Pictured above is photojournalist Chris Harris, Percy’s daughter Mary Pratt, Judge Steven Ellis who knew Percy well, and old friend and best selling author Jason Berry, along with yours truly, all who spoke at the festival. . By the way, St. Fransciville is one of the most charming small towns in America.  You can read a column I wrote about Walker Percy by Clicking Here.

Just a typical Saturday night hangin’ out with the original cast of Broadway’s Jersey Boys. After sharing the stage for over a thousand performances, Tony® Award winner Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard and Tony® Award nominee J. Robert Spencer decided to take their signature sound and chemistry on the road as The Midtown Men. As you can imagine, they asked me to join them in a few of the Jersey Boys Songs, (You’re to Good to be True, Sherri, Walk like a Man), but I told them I was way to busy keeping my website updated.  (Yeah, right!)

Let’s be blunt about this week’s column. The criminal justice system in America today has real problems. This is certainly the case in my home state of Louisiana. The New York Times blasted The Bayou State last week saying: “Nowhere is this situation worst then in Louisiana where prosecutors seem to believe they are unconstrained by the Constitution.” Heavy words from a major newspaper. And many other news outlets are saying the same thing. What is happening? Why the lack of integrity and just following the law by certain prosecutors, particularly in Louisiana? Take a look at my new column now posted. You can read it by clicking on the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

A great show planned on weekend radio. Is tipping at restaurants becoming a thing of the past? We will talk with restaurant consultant Gina M. Lynn. (See more by Clicking Here.)Then Belldon Colme will talk about his book, “No One Ever Got Fat from Calories: The Real Truth Behind Weight Loss, Your Body, and Wellness.” See book info HERE. And we will also talk about the Stanford Student Convicted Of Rape Reportedly Lied To Judge About Alcohol Use with Washington, D.C. attorney Jill Cohen. See HERE. So a full packed show scheduled. Check local listings for ties and stations. See you on the radio.

A reunion took place last week at a private luncheon held last week in the Rib Room, a former political haunt at he Royal Orleans Hotel in New Orleans.  The major Louisiana political  figures from the 70s gathered to reminisce and break bread.  And what an impressive group.  from left to right, former Kenner Mayor and Endymion captain Ed Munez, former New Orleans Mayor Moon Landrieu, yours truly, former New Orleans district attorney Harry Connick, former New Orleans Clerk of Court Dan Foley, Lt. Governor Jimmy Fitzmorris, Governor Edwin Edwards, New Orleans labor leader Pete Babin, and former Senator Mike O’Keefe.  If those walls could talk.

No, Mr. Mayor “” we won’t shut up about your misrule of the schools!

Daughter Campbell continues to stir up a hornet’s nest in taking on the Mayor of New York City. Mayor Bill de Blasio challenged Compel and her charter schools: “˜They need to figure out when to give it a rest.” So declared the Mayor on Thursday in response to a question about Success Academy Charter Schools’ decision to close its pre-K program rather than run it under city oversight.  Campbell immediately shot back to the Mayor: “As much as the mayor may wish that we rest, downshift our mission, be satisfied with less than our full effort in serving kids, it’s not going to happen.” To read all about the New York educational fight, Click Here.

Early summer means preparing for hurricane season if you live along the Gulf Coast. Well actually, concerns are much broader now following Hurricane Sandy. All coasts have exposure. So what do we do? Just sit back and wait for an oncoming storm? Or is there some preparedness that can be undertaken in advance? Check out my new column on how to spread the risk and give homeowners more protection. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Weekend Radio Guest Schedule to be posted Thursday afternoon.

Just after Familiar Evil, by Louisiana author Rannah Gray, won the Gold Medal at the 20th Annual Independent Publishers Awards in Chicago, it was announced that the National Indie Excellence Awards has named Familiar Evil the BEST NEW NON-FICTION AND BEST TRUE CRIME BOOK FOR 2016.

Familiar Evil was also featured in the New Title Showcase at Book Expo America, the leading book and author event for the North American book industry, held this year in Chicago. Written by Gray in collaboration with Mary Jane Marcantel and the British survivor known as Ethan, Familiar Evil is the chilling true story of the international search that revealed the dark past of Louisiana television host Scott Rogers. Published by The Lisburn Press, the book is available now by Clicking Here.

I have always regretted not learning to fly. I had ample opportunity, but always seem to be too busy. I did learn how to land an airplane, because, when I was in public life, I was in private planes every week. So I learned enough to set the plane down, but little more. I love the video below, because it shows how you can see America from the air, and what a great panorama of or country one can view from the air. Take a look at the video below.

It’s graduation time of year, with kids at many levels are attending graduation ceremonies. Do you remember who spoke at your graduation? Most readers do not. I decided, this week, to set out some advice to these new graduates who are hoping to lead a successful life. My thoughts are pretty simple. Take a look at my new column and see if you agree. You can read it now by Going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Our “Common Sense” weekend radio program is fast approaching, and we have a lively show planned for our listeners across the nation. Colonel Tony Deane has written an intense first person account of the pivotal battle of the Iraq War, the Battle of Ramadi. His book tells quite a story and is available by Clicking Here. We will also have some fun with one of the world’s funniest women, Negin Farsad. You will love her book, called “How to Make White People Laugh” available by Clicking Here. Finally, with bright summertime sun, we will talk about protecting your eyes and the type of sunglasses you should wear with Dr. Albert Pang from Dallas.  Check him out Here.  And much more this weekend. Check local listings for times and stations.

The battle over the “bathroom law” in North Carolina has reached fever pitch over the past few weeks.  The law aims to ban transgender folks from using the bathroom of the gender they identify with, but the state has gotten some major pushback from the Federal government and popular figures. Well, country music superstar Brad Paisley got on “Jimmy Kimmel Live” to say that he just doesn’t get what all the fuss is about.  Watch the video above to hear his catchy tune about the whole issue.

My longtime friend and political colleague in Louisiana Bobby Freeman passed away this week. He was a young 82, but died after suffering from an inoperable aneurysm. Bobby served as Louisiana’s Lt. Governor wihen I was Secretary of State. We campaigned together back in the 1980s, and remained close friends to the end. Bobby and I had lunch together just a few weeks ago. He was a credit to the Bayou State as Lt. Governor, and served in the legislature. We will miss you Bobby. Rest in Peace.

Voters think their congressman is completely out of touch, and congress has a lower favorability rating than does polygamy. Members of congress rant and rave about the cesspool mentality in Washington, then jump right into the mix and make it a hot tub. What should congress do to regain some semblance of respect and voter confidence? Come back home I say. Check out my new column now posed. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Weekend Radio Show Schedule to be posted Thursday afternoon.

“Without question, to me, the issue is education,” says daughter Campbell Brown in the video above. “Two out of three eighth graders in this country cannot read or do math at grade level. We are not preparing our kids for what the future holds.”

In the latest installment in a new weekly series from Slate, 92Y, and New America, we hear from Campbell””a former NBC News and CNN anchor, and co-founder of the education news site, The 74″”who offers her advice for the next president of the United States. Each Monday this election season, she will publish a short video in which a policy maker, writer, or thinker gives the next commander in chief their best ideas for how to handle the highest office in the land. You can follow her at www.campbvellbron.com.

Familiar Evil, by Louisiana author Rannah Gray and published by The Lisburn Press, has won top honors in the 2016 Independent Publisher Book Awards, or IPPY Awards, presented this year in Chicago. Familiar Evil was awarded the Gold Medal for first place in the True Crime category. The IPPY Awards are the world’s largest international book awards competition.

Familiar Evil is the chilling true story of the international search that exposed the dark past of television personality Scott Rogers. Mary Jane Marcantel, a key figure in the investigation, and the British survivor known as Ethan collaborated with Gray on the book.  The 20th anniversary IPPY Awards ceremony was held at the top of the Sears Tower overlooking the city of Chicago on the eve of Book Expo America, the leading book and author event for the North American book industry. Familiar Evil was featured in the New Title Showcase at the expo which was held this year in Chicago’s McCormick Place convention center.

Familiar Evil is available nationally for sale through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Books-a-Million and at the book’s official website:  FamiliarEvil.com.  It is also available in all eBook formats in the US and the UK through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and iBooks by Apple.  A portion of the proceeds from the sale of Familiar Evil are donated
to programs that benefit survivors of child sex abuse.

Are we supposed to be politically correct about everything we do? Some people think so. Well there are issues involving race, gays, transgenders, praying in public, and even who can or cannot bake a cake. Everything we do these days has a “politically correct” connotation attached to it. Have we gone to far in America, or is there some middle ground to allow freedom of expression without offending others? Check out my new column to see what I think and to decide if you agree. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Great news on the radio front. I am pleased to have a new station that will begin carrying the Jim Brown “Common Sense” program beginning this weekend. We will welcome listeners hearing our program on WBCR 1470am in Alcoa, TN. Alcoa is part of the greater Knoxville metropolitan area, so the station will give our show a growing number of listeners. Hats off and a Shout Out to station general manager Harry Gotham for choosing our program.

We have a jammed packed radio program scheduled for this weekend and we sure hope you can join us. Lawyer Jacquelyn Clark (www.cowlesthompson.com) will help us explain this whole transgender issue that has dominated the news. Do you like to sing but having voice problems? Voice coach Gary Catona will offer his expert advice. (www.garycatona.com). And what about overdosing on legal prescription drugs? Is this a growing problem? Addiction center adviser John Dyben (www.originsrecovery.com) will join me to discuss.

And finally, time for a third party? Many think so. Robert Winger is publisher of Ballot Access News to give us his thoughts. (http://ballot-access.org.) So join us for a lively program. See you on the radio.

You can see about every kind of outfit down in the New Orleans French Quarter. I often broadcast my weekend radio program overlooking Jackson Square. Following the death of Prince, purple was seen everywhere. I’m shown with some lovely Crescent City ladies on an afternoon stroll all in purple. I hope you can make a visit sometime.

Some crimes are so vicious that there would certainly seem to be hatred involved. But how do you tell? How do you get into someone’s head to figure out just what they are thinking? Do we need to have a “thought police?” Take a look at my new column now posted to see if you really believe a “hate crime” designation is necessary in the criminal law. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

We are ready to go for our weekend radio show. Time to make some common sense. We start off the program with Adm. Tom Church, to talk about his popular book, “Fixing Washington 2016.” See more by Clicking Here. Then Howard Eisenberg, who turned 90 this year, will discuss his career as an award-winning author, playwright, songwriter, and a journalist. His new book, just published is called book called Adorable Scoundrels, a treasury of toddler poems for parents. See more HERE.

 And finally, can you eat normal foods and still loose weight? Food writer Audrey Johns thinks so and discusses her ideas in her book, LOSE WEIGHT BY EATING. See more HERE. So join us for a lively program. Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.

There is really nothing like the sites and sounds you can hear in the French Quarter in the heart of New Orleans. Music is non-stop in Jackson Square. I can look out off my 3^rd floor balcony and be entertained into the wee hours. I was out for a morning stroll last weekend, and came across these lovely Crescent City Belles. I thought they might be dressed to remember Prince, but they told me this was just part of their costume look to cruise around the Vieux Carre. I’m glad to be a weekend native.

Election Day less than six months away? Have you made your choice yet? Let’s be honest here. The race has come down to Clinton or Trump. That’s right. Unless you want to make a protest vote and cast a ballot for a third party candidate. So you are going to just have to hold your nose and vote one way or the other. Yes, there are third party candidates, but no chance of any such aspirants being elected. How much of a mess is there right now? Check out my new column and see what you think. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Weekend radio is close at hand, and we’ve a full pack schedule plan for her listeners. Prof. David Reynolds will be one of our guests to discuss taking Andrew Jackson off the $20 bill. He has written over 15 books, including “Walking Giant: America in the Age of Jackson.“ We will also touch on the death of Prince, and the problem with chronic pain in America today. Pain expert Cindy Perlin will talk about the rampant use of painkillers and her book, “The truth about Chronic Pain Treatments.” To see more of the book, Click Here. This and much more on our weekend radio show. Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.

A special video. Combining dance, art and theater, this visual dance act called “Another Kind Of Blue” brings something new and exciting to interpretive dance and video. Using a screen with projected imagery as their backdrop, Violet and Nino create the illusion of floating, flying and leaping from tall heights, when really they’re lying down. Using their bodies, props and the hands of two other performers to create their routine, halfway through it’s as if a door is opened to another world. It’s worth taking a look.

Can you just imagine how much former Louisiana Governor Huey Long would relish being alive today, and right in the mist of the presidential election? The Kingfish would no doubt show Donald Trump and Bernie sanders a few political tricks as to how to appeal to the masses, particularly those who are fed up with current government. Just how much are candidates like Trump and Sanders emulating the old Long style of slash and burn, take no prisoners kind of politics? Check out me new column and see what you think. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Our weekend radio schedule is close at hand, and we have a lively program plan for our listeners. How about all these third-party candidates running for president? Why do they do it? Will have several potential candidates on the show. And how’s your health? American citizens seem to be getting less and less healthy. What’s the problem? We will talk about this and much more. So tune into the Common Sense radio program. Check local listings for times and stations. We will see you on the radio.

OK. OK. I know this is a political and radio show website, but hey. We have to have a little fun now and then. So what better way to loosen up a bit than to see a Ventriloquist with Live talking Dog ? Take a minute to watch below and get a laugh.

I’ve ben a big fan of the Fred Eaglesmith traveling music show for years.  Fred is a Canadian, but comes  to my home town of Baton Rouge once or twice a year to play at the Re3d Dragon Listening Room.  I’m always in that number.  Take a listen to Fred and his band below.

There is a big debate going on down in Louisiana, as well as other states in the country, about a requirement that all motorcycle enthusiasts must wear a helmet when they’re on a bike. Those who oppose wearing helmets carry the banner of “freedom of choice.” But just what does this mean? Freedom of choice for who? Are there losers as well as winners when you don’t wear a motorcycle helmet? You’re darn right. Check out my column where I put this whole problem and into perspective. But I’ll give you hint as to my opinion. Anyone who does not wear a helmet is little more than a.   Got you hooked, huh? You can read my new column now by going to the Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.

Radio guest schedule to be posted Friday morning.

Sure if you’re bored, and have nothing better to do, you can take a look at my give-and-take with BayouBuzz publisher Steve Sabludowsky about the recent run in by Donald Trump’s campaign manager, Corey Lewandowski,  who was arrested for grabbing the arm of a news reporter at a  Trump rally.  Much ado  about nothing? I sure think so. But you can listen to my analysis, and a detailed look at the video, by Clicking Below.

I love this confrontation between a young lady in a Starbucks, and Florida Gov. Rick Scott. Sure it’s funny, but the average voter just doesn’t have a way to express themselves to the political elite who run their lives anymore. It is s really amusing. And you know what? There’s nothing wrong with taking on these politicians. They all say the same things, and generally are quite boring. So three cheers for the young lady that stuck it to the governor. Watch the video below.

Are foster children being protected in Louisiana? That’s the focus of a new book (published by The Lisburn Press) called Familiar Evil. It charges that children supposedly under state care are allowed to b be put in unfit homes where child abuse takes place. And with little or no monitoring by the state of Louisiana? What the heck is going on? Check out my new column now posted. You will find it disturbing. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Our weekend radio program is shaping up well as the week progresses. What would Donald Trump do for and to our national economy? Are his ideas sound? We will discuss.   And how can small businesses compete with the big box stores? There are lots of ways. And finally, why is the national political system so out of whack? There’s got to be a better way. So be sure and tune in for the “Common Sense” weekend show. Check local listings for times and stations in hour part of the country. See you on the radio.

Poor ole’ Donald Trump. He says he got snookered down in Louisiana. Although he won the popular vote in the recent Republican presidential primary, the state party gave the majority of delegates to Senator Ted Cruz. Foul play hollered Trump, and for good reason. But is that just the way elections are handled down in the Bayou State? Check out my new column and see what I think. You can read it now by going to the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

The sparks will certainly fly on our weekend “Common Sense“ radio program this weekend. Jim will discuss scandals involving several of the Final Four teams, including Jim’s alma mater North Carolina. And how about Hillary Clinton’s $600 hair cut, that brought traffic to a halt in midtown Manhattan? Then there are Donald Trump’s incendiary comments this past week on abortion. Do they help him or hurt him? And our guest will be New York Times bestselling author Andrew Bacevick, who will discuss his new book, American’s War for the Greater Middle East. See more by Clicking Here. So turn in for a lively program. Check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.

My deal friend and former Senator Sonny Mouton passed away this week. Sonny took me under wing when I was a new Louisiana state senator back in 1971, and we have been close since then. He was a giant in Louisiana politics, and worked hard as a public problem solver. New governors, once elected, immediately would call on Sonny for counsel and advice. He actively supported me in all my statewide campaigns. I had the honor of attending his funeral in Lafayette this week, and joined so many others who knew and loved Sonny. He will be sorely missed.

Look at the photo showing some people walking to reach the final objective, to live in a European country. On the photo, there are 7 men and 1 woman. Notice that the woman is bare feet, accompanied by 3 children, and of the 3, she is carrying 2. None of the men are helping her. It is because in their culture the woman represents so little? Can  these particular individuals integrate into our societies and countries and respect our customs and traditions?  Tough questions for voters to discuss.

As Liza Minnelli sang in the hit show Cabaret, “money makes the world go round.” It certainly does in politics, particularly here in my home state of Louisiana. Campaign dollars are the key factor in candidates getting elected, and in the buying of influence by lobbyists.  Politicians spend way too much time raising money. The system is rotten at the state level and in Washington. Check out my new column that shows how out of whack the present system is, and what could be done about this growing problem. You can read it now by Clicking on the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Easter weekend radio shows are often re-runs, but not the “Common Sense” program. We have a full agenda planned for our listeners. Pastor John Stahl helps us begin the show with an Easter message about a different perspective of the tomb where Jesus Christ was buried. See his website and new book at Twitter @JustJESUSThem.  Then, with all the violence throughout the world, our travel expert Russell Hannon gives tips of how to travel safely. See more of Russell by Clicking Here. And finally, March Madness and some sports talk with Richard Sheubrooks, and see more by Clicking Here.  See you on the radio. Check local listings for times and stations.

Having gotten my start as a lawyer and a state senator in one of the most rural parts of America in Northeast Louisiana, and experienced the marvelous experience of attending a number of primarily African American churches, I learned that just about all Negro spirituals are written on the black notes of the piano. Probably the most famous on this slave scale was written by John Newton, who used to be the captain of a slave ship, and many believe he heard this melody that sounds very much like a West African sorrow chant. It’s just one of the most amazing melodies in all of human history.  Check out this wonderful  melody and history below.

Does anyone like a quitter? I don’t. If you are a die-hard LSU fan, you might not like my new column about the administration at LSU quitting, both in sports and in academics. Of course, all of us fail from time to time. But quitting? It’s a reflection of giving up on striving for doing or being one’s best. See if you agree with me and look at my new column now posted. You can read it by Clicking on the Red Flashing Box above or by Clicking Here.

Radio Program Schedule will be posted Thursday Afternoon.

This whole story of why the FBI is insisting on compelling Apple to create an entirely new system to break into any iPhone is complicated, and difficult for many to understand. Comedian John Oliver does a pretty good job of putting this import problem into an understandable perspective. You can read my perspective by Clicking Here. It’s well worth the time to view this video below.

It’s Apple vs the FBI, and it seems like public opinion has switched in a manor fight of privacy vs security. The FBI says the whole controversy is a simple request to open one iPhone, but Apple says the request is to create a whole new operating system. Shouldn’t the world’s most powerful government be able to break in to a simple iPhone? Check out my new column that takes a look at what a reasonable solution should be. You can read it now by Clicking on the Red Flashing Box, above, or by Clicking Here.

And take a listen to financial analyst Shelly Palmer simplify this serious problem below.

Our “Common Sense” Radio program is just a few days away, and we have a lively show scheduled for the weekend. Attorney Rob Crane Will join us to discuss the $55 million judgment sportscaster Erin Andrews received against a stalker and a hotel. Was that reasonable? Also, our old friend Alan Topol will talk about his new book, “The Italian Divide.“ See more by Clicking Here. And of course more of the pros and cons of Donald Trump. So tune in and check local listings for times and stations. See you on the radio.

Maria Sharapova, one of the world’s all time great tennis players, admitted that she had erroneously taken an illegal drug for health reasons. She said she had been taking the drug mildronate for 10 years to address a number of health issues, But the drug was legal until just this year. I’ve been a follower and big fan of Maria for a number of years. She admitted her mistake and I hope she is able to keep playing.  To read more, Click Here.

Well if you’re a regular viewer of this website, you know my base of operations is down in the deepest of the deep Southern states. Now my nationally syndicated radio program and my weekly column are generally not a reflection of the South. But we cannot drop our heritage, can we? And there are certainly things that are said and done down here that are unique to our part of the country. Take a look at the video below of some of my favorite Southern gals, and their “very special” expressions. You’ll have some fun with it.

Everyone needs heroes to look up to, particularly when growing up. To many youngsters, sports figures serve as an inspiration. That was certainly true in my case. I had a number of heroes in a number of sports. But the athlete I have always most admired is LSU and NBA superstar Bob Pettit. A statute was unveiled recently to honor his marvelous athletic abilities in Baton Rouge. I look back and remember his accomplishments in this week’s column. You can read it now by Clicking on Red Flashing Box above, or by Clicking Here.